A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by studying tissues, cells, and body fluids under a microscope or using laboratory tests. They play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in medicine, providing essential information for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue or cells is removed from the body and examined—usually under a microscope—to diagnose a disease, most commonly to check for cancer or other abnormalities.

An autopsy is a detailed examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death and to study any diseases or injuries that may be present. It is performed by a forensic pathologist or medical examiner.